This article will list the top 10 nuclear tech schools.
An associate’s degree in nuclear technology is a worthwhile degree that can help those who study it advance their employment options. Students who earn this degree qualify themselves to immediately enter the workforce in a high-paying career as a nuclear technician.
The schools on our list are selected based on the quality of the program (measured by graduation rate and student-teacher ratio) and affordability. The top 10 nuclear technician schools for an associate’s degree are:
- State Technical College
- Bismark State College
- Salem County Community College
- Lakeshore Community College
- Monroe County Community College
- College of Southern Maryland
- Cape Fear Community College
- Augusta Technical College
- Onondaga Community College
- Wharton County Junior College
Reviewing the Top 10 Nuclear Technician Schools
10. Wharton County Junior College
Wharton, Texas
Associate of Applied Science in Nuclear Power Technology
Wharton County Junior College offers an affordable, technically specific associate’s degree in nuclear technology. The exciting curriculum provides both the academic and the technical training that is needed to succeed in the field. During the first two semesters, students complete core coursework, followed by two semesters of more specific courses in the specialty area of their choice. The specialty tracks options include Non-Licensed Operator, Electrical Technician, Instrumentation and Control Technician, and Mechanical Technician.
Tuition: $4,482
9. Onondaga Community College
Syracuse, New York
Associate in Applied Science in Nuclear Technology
Onondaga Community College developed their associate’s degree program in Nuclear Technology to directly meet the needs of an area employer, preparing students to graduate with all skills needed to immediately enter the workplace as either as a nuclear engineer or a nuclear power reactor operator. The 63-credit program can be completed in 4 semesters, and can also include an internship at a nuclear power plant. The program emphasizes the instrumentation and control systems that are applicable to the nuclear industry.
Tuition: $7,038
8. Augusta Technical College
Augusta, Georgia
Associate of Applied Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology
Augusta Technical College offers a 64-credit nuclear technician degree through which students can earn their associate’s degree in Nuclear Technology. The program takes an innovative approach to the increasing need for a well-trained workforce as they strive to prepare the students at the technician, maintenance, and non-licensed operator levels. Beginning each summer and fall, the nuclear technology program is designed using a planned sequence of courses which meets all requirements set by the Industry of Nuclear Power Operations.
Tution: $9,672
7. Cape Fear Community College
Wilmington, North Carolina
Associate in Applied Science in Nuclear Technology
The nuclear technology program at Cape Fear Community College is a two-year associate’s degree program that specifically prepares individuals to be qualified reactor field technicians. The coursework for the 67 credit program covers the theory and application principles that are related to industrial and engineering technology disciples, and also includes quality control, welding, and various metallurgical inspection procedures. Students in the program will also be able to take advantage of a cooperative work experience at a nuclear power plant.
Tuition; $7,738
6. College of Southern Maryland
La Plata, Maryland
Associate in Applied Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology
The College of Southern Maryland offers one of the few Nuclear Medicine Technology associate’s degrees. The curriculum integrates the theory and concepts of molecular imaging techniques with hands-on learning experiences. The 64 credit program is offered through an articulation agreement with Prince George’s Community College. The students have access to classrooms and laboratories fully equipped with modern nuclear medicine imaging and non-imaging equipment. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for all needed certifications to enter the field as a nuclear medicine technician.
Tuition: $7,805
5. Monroe County Community College
Monroe, Michigan
Associate of Applied Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology
Monroe County Community College offers a highly affordable associate’s degree program in nuclear technology. The 68-credit program utilizes learning approaches that have a strong emphasis on both theory and hands-on skills that will likely be needed for jobs in the nuclear industry. The program stresses both oral and written communication, along with all the essential mathematics, science and technical skills. Students will graduate fully prepared for entry-level jobs as electrical technicians, instrumentation and control technicians, or mechanical technicians.
Tuition: $4,220
4. Lakeshore Technical College
Cleveland, Wisconsin
Associate Degree in Nuclear Technology
The associate degree program in Nuclear Technology at Lakeshore is a 4-term, 62-credit program that begins each fall. The program is shared with two other area technical colleges, providing more flexibility in both scheduling and location. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to either go directly into a competitive position such as a Nuclear Equipment Operator or Nuclear Monitor Technician, or to continue on in a four-year program. Lakeshore offers an online option for those already working in the industry.
Tuition: $9,864
3. Salem Community College
Carneys Point, New Jersey
Associate of Applied Science in Nuclear Energy Technology
At Salem Community College, students can earn a two-year associate’s degree to be a nuclear technician. The program provides a solid foundation in basic scientific principles, mathematics, theory, and the materials needed for work as a nuclear technician. Additionally, the school places a strong emphasis on nuclear safety and procedures. Students graduate from the 66 credit program with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue entry-level jobs as nuclear technicians or nuclear operators.
Tuition: $9,075
2. Bismarck State College
Bismarck, North Dakota
Associate in Applied Science in Nuclear Power Technology
Bismarck State College offers a convenient and efficient online associate’s degree in nuclear technology. The courses begin every 8 weeks and run on a rotating schedule. Students will learn the fundamental skills and knowledge needed for a career in the nuclear industry, and the program is a good fit for both those who want to enter the workplace immediately, and those who wish to continue their education. The program is offered exclusively online, and students must choose 1 of 2 track options: Non-Licensed Operator (67 credits) or Instrumentation and Control (72 credits).
Tuition: $9,016
1. State Technical College
Linn, Missouri
Associate of Applied Science in Nuclear Technology
State Technical College has been ranked the 3rd best college in the US by Forbes Magazine, and they offer a unique, exciting program through which students can earn their nuclear technology associate’s degree. State Technical offers the only program of its kind in Missouri, and one of only a handful like programs in the nation. Only accepting a limited number of students per year, this competitive program is designed cooperatively with various leaders in the nuclear industry to meet the current workplace needs. The program ranges from 70-76 total credits, and students choose from 3 specialized degree options: Instrumentation and Control, Radiation Protection, and Reactor Operations.
Tuition: $7,646
Related Resources:
- How Do I Become a Nuclear Technician?
- Top Career Schools Online
- Highest Paying Trades
- Top Dual Enrollment Programs Online
- Highest Paying Associate’s Degrees
